Grand Canyon National Park

Offering a magnificent awe-inspiring experience, the Grand Canyon overwhelms our senses through its immense size at 277 river miles long, up to 18 miles wide and a mile deep. The Grand Canyon achieved National Park status in 1919, that year close to 44,000 people visited the park. Today, close to five million people visit the park each year.

Most of the visitors each year come to the South Rim. During the May to September peak season, the South Rim can be very crowded. To escape the crowds, patrons can walk the Rim Trail, drive to Desert View or ride the shuttle toward Hermits Rest and enjoy the sunset.

The South Rim offers numerous canyon overlooks, hikes along the rim or into the canyon, more lodging, dining, gift stores, and campsites, and spectacular sunrises and sunsets. A shuttle service is available where visitors can park and ride through the Grand Canyon Village area.

The North Rim is a more remote region and receives fewer visitors each year. The higher elevation of 8000 ft. makes the North Rim a more challenging destination for many visitors it is also cooler and more isolated. This area is only open from mid-May to mid-October, depending on the weather.

Mule trips are available from the North Rim; visitors can schedule one-day and half-day trips. For reservations, call Grand Canyon Trail Rides at (435) 679-8665.

At both Rims there are campgrounds, lodging facilities, and backcountry campsites available to visitors. Advanced reservations are necessary, as these services fill up quickly during peak seasons.

Another exciting Grand Canyon adventure is river running. Rafting down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is the ultimate adventure destination for many people. There are different ways to ride the river. Private parties must be experienced on rivers comparable to the Colorado. Permits are issued on a lottery basis. For information about a private permit, contact the River Permits Office at (800) 959-9164 or (928) 638-7884. Commercial outfitters offer a variety of trips.

There are many other programs available at the Grand Canyon Park including Ranger talks and tours, junior ranger and teen camp. Also, take a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway or participate in a Field Institute Learning Adventure.

Explore the many reasons why visitors flock to this magnificent destination each year to appreciate the beautiful canyon view by planning your own visit. Visit the Grand Canyon National Park website for more information on where to stay, what to expect and much more.

2009 Trip Planner

- by Jennifer Pruett, Phoenix Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jennifer Pruett

A self proclaimed “queen of everything," Jennifer is a writer, planner and passionate lover of making exciting events extra special. As a creative mother of two she loves art, music, family, friends, exotic cuisine and exploring new areas of self improvement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from the University of Oklahoma and has been writing restaurant and attraction reviews in the Phoenix Metro area since January, 2009.